MEERUT: The rampant use of pesticides and fertilizers has reduced the soil fertility of the Doab region, an agricultural land between Yamuna and Ganga, according to officials from the soil testing department in Meerut.
Recent tests of the samples taken from various fields in the region showed a lack of important nutrients and minerals, including carbon, zinc, sulphur and phosphorus.
The officials have urged the Centre to re-start the soil health card scheme for farmers so that it is tested and its nutrient value corrected before sowing. According to agriculture experts, the depletion of minerals and carbon adversely affects the nutrient value of a crop as well.
